And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
White robes. So Vulgate; but A B C 'Aleph (') read, 'a white robe was given.'
Every one of them. B omits; A C 'Aleph (') read, 'unto them, unto each;' i:e., unto them severally. Though their joint cry for the riddance of the earth from the ungodly is not yet granted, it will be so in due time; meanwhile, individually they receive the white robe, indicative of light, joy, and triumph over their foes; even as the Captain of their salvation goes forth on a white horse, conquering and to conquer: also of sanctity through Christ. Maimonides says that the Jews arrayed priests, when approved of, in white robes. They are admitted among the blessed, who, as spotless priests, minister unto God and the Lamb.
Should. So 'Aleph (') C; but A B, 'shall rest.'
A little season. So 'Aleph (') A C; but B omits "little." Even if omitted, the "season" is short compared with eternity. Bengel fancifully made a season х chronos (G5550)] to be 1,111 1/9 years, and a time (Revelation 12:12; Revelation 12:14) х kairos (G2540)], a fifth of a season - i:e., 222 2/9 years. The only distinction is, a season х chronos (G5550)] is an aggregate of times. х Kairos (G2540), a specific time, so of short duration.] As to their rest, cf. Revelation 14:13 [the same anapauomai]; Isaiah 57:2; Daniel 12:13; Septuagint.
Until their ... brethren ... be fulfilled - until their full number shall have been completed. The number of the elect is definite; perhaps to fill up that of the fallen angels. The full blessedness of all the saints shall be simultaneous (1 Thessalonians 4:15; Hebrews 11:40; Hebrews 12:23). The earlier shall not anticipate the later. A C read, 'shall have been accomplished;' B 'Aleph ('), 'shall have accomplished (their course).'